Rome Summer / Roman Holiday

Observing Rome at its most unforgiving

What it is

A short cinematic visual project observing Rome at its most unforgiving. Set during peak summer, it focuses on heat, stillness, and human behavior under pressure—capturing the city not as a postcard, but as a place you endure before you appreciate.

What problem it solves

Rome is usually portrayed as eternally romantic and effortlessly charming. This project pushes back on that fantasy, showing the friction: the oppressive sun, the slowed pace, the small coping rituals. It reframes the city as something lived in, not consumed.

Approach & methods

  • Narrative-driven visual sequencing rather than standalone shots
  • Controlled, intentional camera movement
  • High-contrast daylight and hard shadows as storytelling tools
  • Voiceover used as commentary, not explanation
  • Mood-first pacing over informational structure

Tools

  • Image generation: Nano Banana Pro
  • Video generation: Veo 3.1 and Kling 2.6
  • Editing & pacing: CapCut
  • Voice-over generation: ElevenLabs

Project Showcase

Main characters from the Rome Summer film

The protagonists - capturing authentic moments in the eternal city

Gelato store scene background

Iconic Roman gelato store - a backdrop for everyday life

Characters enjoying drinks in a Roman alley

Aperitivo in the alley - where locals and visitors meet

Characters dining at a traditional pasta restaurant

Pasta and conversation - the heart of Roman dining culture

Wide view of a Roman bridge scene

Ponte panorama - Rome's timeless architecture in frame